Disappearing Dunbar (Demolitions): West 23rd Avenue 3793

A Dunbar resident, Angus McIntyre, was present at the demolition of this house on September 29, 2010. (It is featured in my blog of February 7, 2011, and two houses are being constructed on the site.) These photos of the demolition itself are poignant, and I thank Angus for making them available for the blog.

Note the tree that got ripped out in its entirety.

Angus was able to take this interior shot on the day of the demolition. Obviously, this house contained many heritage features. Except for one bathtub, everything was trashed, including most of the major appliances.

If your heart and blood pressure are healthy, take a look at this YouTube video from Angus. Discretion is advised... VIDEO

Monday, February 7, 2011

Highbury and West 23rd

http://www.dunbar-vancouver.org/gallery/photos-old-domestic/od-2004-0065.jpg

The Dunbar Residents' Association's website has a photo gallery of ORIGINAL DOMESTIC ARCHITECTURE. The above picture, taken by Tom Grant in 2004, is of a house located on the corner of 23rd and Highbury. It sits in the middle of a wide lot, 82x122 feet. Vancouver City Archive records indicate that water service was applied for in 1921. But the house may be older than that because it is a different style than other old ones on the block.

I noticed the house a few years ago because it has an archway of grape vines over the front sidewalk leading to the house, and also because of the many flowering plants in the extensive garden, both inside and outside the fence.

The for sale sign in July, the red marks on the sidewalk, and the derelict look of the place portend some trouble for this garden spot.

In late September, there was a woman prowling around the east side of the garden, perhaps rescuing plants, but I respected her privacy and did not take a photo of her.